A Regional Anatomy Course Designed to Better Prepare Medical Practitioners for Entry Into Surgical Training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Anatomy
• Postgraduate Training

Background:

• The 'Surgical Anatomy Based on GSSE' course is an elective for Master of Surgery students.
• It prepares candidates for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons' General Surgical Science Examination (GSSE).
• The GSSE is a prerequisite for the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student perceptions of the 'Surgical Anatomy Based on GSSE' course.
• To assess the course's impact on student knowledge acquisition for surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A modified team-based learning approach was used over nine 7-hour face-to-face sessions.
• Content covered major anatomical regions, utilizing prosected wet specimens.
• Online pre-class preparation and group work facilitated learning, with assessment via MCQs and SPOT tests.

Main Results:

• 98% of students responded to a post-course survey, with 100% passing course assessments.
• Students reported a positive learning experience and found the course beneficial for GSSE preparation.
• While teaching methods were valued, some suggested additional sessions for enhanced learning.

Conclusions:

• The course offers a robust platform for postgraduate anatomy learning, integrating self-directed and supervised methods.
• It serves as an effective framework for surgical trainees to gain essential knowledge and skills for the GSSE.